Abstract

Data on 7,424 soldier spouse abuse offenders were analyzed to determine the prev alence of substance use during abusiv e incidents, and to examine differences between substance-using and non-substance-using offenders. Results showed that 25% of all offenders used substances during abusiv e incidents, with males and non-Hispanic Whites being more likely to hav e used substances. Substance-using offenders were more likely to perpetrate physical spouse abuse and more sev ere spouse abuse. These findings underscore the importance of educating military personnel (including commanders) about links between substance use and domestic v iolence, and of coordinating prev entiv e and therapeutic substance abuse and v iolence-related interv entions.